NEWSLETTER
With All-Star reserves announced later this week, and the Rising Stars roster heading our way tonight on TNT, it only feels fitting that we now know who will be in the 2022 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
According to Shams Charania, Houston’s No. 2-overall pick Jalen Green will headline the event in Cleveland alongside Orlando’s Cole Anthony, Golden State’s Juan Toscano-Anderson, and New York’s Obi Toppin.
Sources: Houston Rockets rookie Jalen Green will headline the NBA Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend in Cleveland. Expected participants: pic.twitter.com/5Y7rAmESF8
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 1, 2022
Considering the NBA has had a problem getting well-known talent into the competition in recent years, I’d consider this lineup a decent win.
Green is an absurdly athletic young player with tremendous potential, while Toppin is another former lottery pick who has built a reputation around his high-flying antics. Anthony has also started to carve out a name for himself in Orlando this season, whereas Toscano-Anderson has become a steady role player for one of the NBA’s best teams.
The only way I’d say the NBA screwed things up is by NOT getting Javonte Green into the competition! The Chicago Bulls swiss-army-knife has been one of the league’s best in-game dunkers this season, stringing together highlight after highlight in thunderous fashion.
Don’t believe me? Just watch …
MAKE WAY, JAVONTE GREEN.
(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/1zo8zQVaK3
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) January 25, 2022
TAKE FLIGHT JAVONTE GREEN.@NBCSChicago | @2Xtremebounce pic.twitter.com/u3qZjHZp4K
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 30, 2021
✈ Javonte Green ✈
Taking flight for the slam on NBA TV!@chicagobulls lead in Q2! pic.twitter.com/UyT8ssIlQh
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2021
Javonte Green incoming!
(via @chicagobulls)pic.twitter.com/5JuoJ0bLMM
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) January 27, 2022
This man Javonte Green is a walking highlight.@2Xtremebounce pic.twitter.com/AImKZOFGzn
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 23, 2021
It’s always possible Green declined an invitation, but I also wouldn’t be shocked if the NBA just didn’t look his way. The league clearly went after some higher-profile young talent for this year’s contest, and perhaps they were too scared Green would make it a no-contest. After all … DID YOU SEE THOSE DUNKS!?
